Depending on the job, summer months may shift your office into chill mode but what does that mean for your attire? Although it’s heating up outside here are some tips to help you keep your workplace wardrobe cool and compliant.
Know Your Policy
Are you ready to hit the water cooler runway in your favorite summer attire? Before doing so, make sure you review your company’s dress code policy so you are aware of what you can and more importantly, cannot wear in the workplace. Some companies allow for relaxed dress codes during the summer months. Other companies remain business as usual and maintain their dress codes year round regardless of the season.
In a 2013 Employee Benefits survey, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 23 percent of organizations allowed seasonal casual dress in the workplace. It’s also common for different departments within the same organization to have varying dress codes due to the nature of the work performed. For example employees who regularly work outside may be allowed to wear shorts to work whereas those in the finance department may be prohibited from doing so.
Be aware of these variances especially if they may apply to you. If you wear a uniform year-round, revisit your uniform policy to review seasonal guidelines and be sure to pre-order or purchase uniform attire that will keep you comfortable and cool as the temperatures rise. Still have questions about your organization’s policy? Talk to a representative in Human Resources or your manager; (or just show up to work in a grass skirt and see what happens).
Why does my wardrobe matter?
Do not believe the phrase, “you can’t judge a book by its cover”. The fact is, people will judge you by your appearance and according to popular psychological studies, it only takes about 7 seconds for them to do so. Unconscious bias is real and a part of life. Don’t blow your cover! Don’t waste someone’s first or continuous impression of you in the workplace by wearing unprofessional clothing, spaghetti straps or saggy carpenter shorts.
Inappropriate work wear can be a distraction from your worthiness of success. Let your talent, experience and communication skills take charge and lead your personal brand. In a survey from Office Team, 80 percent of the executives interviewed said clothing choices affect an employee’s chances of earning a promotion. Get the point…your personal style and appearance is critical to your success and advancement.
Be cognizant of the environment and culture you work in. Own your personal style and maintain a professional image amongst your colleagues and clients. As the saying goes, “dress for the job you want, not the one you have.” Now please be advised that your workplace may fall at any point on the “What & What Not to Wear” spectrum but when in doubt it’s always better to dress up than dress down; and most importantly don’t forget to have fun in the sun.
Layer it Up
With thermometers heating up on the outside and office air conditioners on blast, wearing layers is a must when it comes to summer workplace attire. Women – layer an airy blouse with a cardigan or linen blazer. Men – top your polo with a lightly-lined sports coat and cardigans can work for you as well especially if you’re going for a preppy look.
Layer your work outfit of the day (#OOTD) with trendy camis, blouses or accented tees and you can go from daytime business appropriate to summer time fine in an instant after work. Take it up a notch with accessories and a change in footwear to transform your look even further. Layers will help you keep up with temperature changes and transition from day to night wear with ease.
Keep it Covered and Professional
Although temperatures continue to rise, your hemlines should not. As a general rule, stay away from spaghetti straps, short or revealing clothing. Shirts should stay tucked, button-ups should stay buttoned and chest hairs shall remain tamed.
Dresses should fall to the knee and plunging necklines should be avoided. In most workplaces shorts are prohibited but if your company allows shorts keep it professional. Try capris or walking shorts that are longer in length. If you are one that gets hot easily, opt for lighter and breathable fabrics and silhouettes such as linen, cotton and other natural fibers to maintain cool comfort and style.
Ultimately, the less skin displayed the better. This is equally important in workplaces that are already casual. Don’t take for granted the benefit of working in a chilled, relaxed environment by wearing revealing or inappropriate attire.
No Need to Fall Into Formation
Tired of always wearing the standard office black, gray or blue paired with a starched white collar? Adhering to a dress code in the summer doesn’t necessarily mean that you must fall into formation with predictable office attire. Dare to be a fashionista and keep up with summer trends as they heat up to include brighter colors, light and airy fabrics and playful accessories. Try bold patterns, ocean water blues, shades of tangerine or a combination of them both.
Your personal style is a reflection of you, your personality and your brand. Jazz up those black trousers with a handsome belt and playful bow tie or accessorize your solid color summer dress with a bold Aztec print statement necklace. Don’t be afraid to express your personal style with tact and professionalism while staying in sync with your company’s trending culture and dress code policy.
Work Hard and Play With Caution at Work Events
Company picnics, outdoor employee appreciation days and team builders are popular during the summer. Some of us occasionally breathe life into the phrase “work hard, play harder”. In case you were wondering, playing harder doesn’t necessarily apply at work sponsored events.
Refrain from being “that employee” that shows up to the company barbecue wearing daisy dukes, super small Speedos and a shot glass necklace that everyone is still talking about on Monday morning by the water cooler. Your wardrobe may relax into neutral but your professionalism should always stay in drive when attending work events.
Summer Footwear – Flip Flops and Faux Pas
There’s nothing like the sound of a flip flop flapping back against your heels. The iconic and adored flip flop represents the epitome of foot freedom, relaxation and summer for all. There’s a great debate about the appropriateness of flip flops in the workplace but as a general best practice it’s a flop. Flip flops are perfectly suited for the beach but may be too casual for the office, for men and women alike.
Depending on where you work, open-toed shoes may be a no-go all together due to safety issues. This is especially true in manufacturing, distribution, garage, lab or warehouse environments. Sandals (upgraded versions of the oh-so-loved flip flop) are usually permissible but beware of six-inch stilettos and ungroomed toes. In any case, footwear should be appropriate for your workplace and if you look like you’re ready for an appearance on dancing with the stars or a day in the garden you may want to rethink your selection.
[Orlena Cowan, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, is the vice president and programs co-director for the Human Resource Association of Central Connecticut (HRACC), the largest SHRM Chapter in Connecticut, HRACC is committed to serving the HR community by providing professional development, networking opportunities, and educational resources to enhance the value of the profession.]
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Friday Focus is an online-only weekly series of columns focusing on human resource, business legal issues, technology, and marketing. Interested in participating? Send an email to Keith Griffin at kgriffin@hartfordbusiness.com.
